View full sizeNoah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerSen. Joseph M. Kyrillos (R-13) votes at Fairview Elementary School in Red Bank, with his family. Pictured is Kyrillos, with his wife Susan, and children Max 13, and Georgia, 9.

MIDDLETOWN — State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos arrived at the Fairview Elementary School in Middletown this afternoon shortly after 1 p.m. to cast his vote after he and his wife picked up their two children from school.

Kyrillos, the long-time Republican legislator who is running for the United State Senate, trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Robert Menendez, brought his nine-year-old daughter, Georgia, into the booth with him, while son, Max, 13, waited outside the booth with his wife, Susan.

When he and his family arrived, about 15 students from the elementary school were lined up on the other side of the door to welcome him to the school.

He said he believes people in New Jersey are getting to know him.

"We had a great launch," Kyrillos said. "I’m introducing myself to the people of New Jersey and listening to their concerns."

He said what he is hearing is "their concern about the course the country is taking."

Kyrillos said he has crossed paths with the other Republicans vying with him for the party’s nomination to replace Menendez, Bader Qarmout and David Brown.

"I respect anybody who wants to serve in public life," he said. "Its a tough race to start out in--the U.S. Senate. They are thoughtful Americans."

A poll worker at the voting site, in the school’s gymnasium, said there has been a steady stream of voters all day.

"It’s been a good turnout so far," said the woman, who did not want to give her name.

Lawrence Lynch arrived to cast his vote, holding his ballot.

"I don’t know how meaningful (the primary) is, but I’m going to vote because its my duty to vote," Lynch said.

Kyrillos, 52, has been in the Legislature, first as an assemblyman and the state senator, for 24 years.